Everton Eye This £25m Defender: Should Moyes Invest Despite Sale Uncertainty?

Everton have started the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a measure of defensive discipline, although David Moyes still faces difficult decisions about the squad's long-term balance. Eight league matches have produced two wins, four draws and two defeats, with eight goals scored and nine conceded. That record has kept the Toffees competitive, but limited squad depth leaves little room for complacency.

The club currently sit ninth in the table, while uncertainty over the ownership group's plans adds another complication to January recruitment. The Friedkin Group's reported decision to put Everton up for sale could influence spending, particularly if prospective signings require substantial upfront fees.

Moyes strengthened several areas during the summer, bringing in Brennan Johnson for a reported £22m, Merlin Röhl for £21m and Tyrique George for £18m, while Jack Grealish arrived on loan. However, Everton must balance those investments against departures, including Iliman Ndiaye's reported £60m move to Manchester City and Beto's £15m transfer to Fiorentina.

Everton monitor Portuguese defender ahead of January

According to Goodison News correspondent Scott Mason , Everton are tracking Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel ahead of the winter window. The report, which cites Italian transfer coverage from 4-4-2, identifies Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Roma as competing admirers of the 21-year-old.

The Portuguese defender offers the aerial presence Moyes values, while he has quite efficient passing accuracy, which suggests he can contribute during possession. His season statistics reportedly include 38 clearances and two headed goals.

Lecce are understood to value Gabriel at between £20.9m and £25.1m and would reject offers below that range. The Italian club have little reason to sell cheaply, particularly with several sides monitoring a young defender who could command a higher fee after further development.

Everton already have James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane and Jake O'Brien available at centre-back. However, Keane's contract expires in 2027, Tarkowski is approaching the later stages of his career, and O'Brien's limited minutes raise questions about his immediate role.

Should Everton spend up to £25m on Gabriel despite their financial uncertainty?

LECCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Tiago Gabriel of US Lecce celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AC Monza at Stadio Via del Mare on September 13, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Everton should consider the Portuguese defender a strategic investment rather than an automatic January priority. Branthwaite provides a strong long-term foundation, while Tarkowski offers experience and leadership. Gabriel could eventually complement both qualities, giving Moyes a younger option who suits his preference for physical defending and disciplined positioning.

However, spending more than £20m requires careful judgement when ownership uncertainty clouds the club's financial plans. Everton need sufficient depth across the entire squad, and a new centre-back would offer limited value if injuries elsewhere leave Moyes short of reliable starters.

The strongest argument for acting early concerns succession planning. Keane could leave when his contract expires, while Tarkowski cannot anchor the defence indefinitely. Waiting until summer might invite stronger competition from Milan and Palace, potentially increasing the price.

Even so, Everton should negotiate firmly rather than accept Lecce's valuation without scrutiny. Gabriel's reported qualities make him an appealing prospect, but the club must verify his performances, assess his adaptation to English football and protect funds for other urgent needs. Moyes needs a squad capable of sustaining a full Premier League season, not another expensive signing who spends months waiting for regular minutes.